State to stagger closure of liquor stores next week

The Washington State Liquor Control Board has announced a phased closure schedule for state liquor stores as we near the June 1 start of private liquor sales. With the state going out of the liquor business, many employees are departing.

“Thirty five state liquor stores will remain open until June 1,” the control board said today. “Customers will experience the most limited service on May 31 as all contract and the majority of state stores will be closed.”

Here’s a summary of the sequence of Snohomish and Island county liquor store closures. Days and dates indicate the last day these stores will be open as state-run businesses. Many locations have been acquired by private owners and presumably will re-open Friday, June 1.